Clean transportation and fuels is the top sector in the green jobs arena, making up more than 40 percent of the state's environmental employment, the report says. Among renewable energy production firms, the growth rate from 2005 to 2008 was an electrifying 30 percent.

The report points out that federal, state and local policy could lead to more growth in the clean energy economy, said Abby Rubley, the group's policy director.

"Michigan lawmakers should study this report with an eye toward strengthening laws that require energy companies to produce more power from alternative energy sources, as well as requiring more energy efficiency," Rubley said in a statement.

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Speaking of green jobs, Aaron Wissner, with an environmental nonprofit called Local Future in Middleville south of Grand Rapids, says a proposed feed-in tariff bill is the answer.

He's even created a Facebook page for people who want to support the legislation.

Alan Garcia | Times IllustrationHere are the latest yearly totals, in millions of gallons, from plants that discharge to the Saginaw River. CSO refers to a combined sewer overflow, of partially-treated sewage mixed with stormwater runoff. SSO refers to a sanitary sewer overflow, of raw or inadequately-treated sewage.

- Jeff Kart covers the environment for The Times. He can be reached at jkart@bc-times.com or (989) 894-9639.